Get Local!

Now this is what I like to see...
from organic consumers association:

NEW FOOD LABEL HIGHLIGHTS LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCTS

A new certification and labeling system has been launched in Western Montana that goes a step beyond federal "USDA Organic." The Western Montana Sustainable Growers Union has launched the "Homegrown" label, which guarantees that products sold to consumers are not only organic, but were also produced within a 150 mile radius.

The Homegrown label also aims to promote fair labor practices. Farmers with the Homegrown certification are also urged to purchase supplies locally to keep money in the community. Read more of the article here.

...Can you believe that most produce on the supermarket shelf has traveled over 1,500 miles? Also the food is not as fresh because of traveling time, so they tend to pick stuff way early so it will keep longer. When food is picked early it does not recieve all of its nutrients and is not allowed to go through the natural ripening process. Thats why it is sometimes gassed (to force it to ripen), but it is not on the tree and not recieving its proper nutrients.

This is very evident in the look and taste of most fruit and vegetables in the supermarkets -acidic tasting or too bitter, or too bland and dull in color.

On the other hand local grown organic produce is so fresh and vibrant. Fruit is sweet and juicy and smells so inticing! Vegetables are crisp and full of water. And the colors are beautifull!

Eating Local also means eating what is in season. I know, I know - I wish we could eat mangos and watermellon all year round too! But nature provides us with the right type of food that is perfect for us in our surrounding enviornment. That's my theory anyway.

Now I'd like to see more things grown Veganically (which is organic, but grown without using manure or blood & bone - yuk!) more on that in a bit...